Device for automatically supplying drinks and foodstuff

ABSTRACT

Device for automatically supplying or dispensing drinks and food stuffs includes a cabinet having a cooling zone, a zone for containing drinks and foodstuffs, a zone for registering consumptions and a zone for generating cooling energy. The cabinet is conveniently provided with a mechanical closure as well as an electrical closure.

United States Patent 1 [111 3,884,386 Urcola May 20, 1975 [54] DEVICEFOR AUTOMATICALLY 3,160,720 12/1964 Faulkner 340/274 D AND F ODSTUFF3,310,198 3/1967 Regan et al 221/7 SUPPLYING RINKS 0 3,500,649 3/1970Feldman 62/3 [76] Inventor: Francisco Arin Urcola, 3,749,279 7/1973Ungermam 221/7 Zumalacarregui l0, Tolosa, Spain 1 PrimaryExaminer-Robert B. Reeves Flled! y 1973 Assistant Examiner-Joseph J.Rolla 2 Appl 333,149 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Wenderoth, Lind & Ponack[30] Foreign Application Priority Data I July 29, 1972 Spain 405376 57ABSTRACT 52 us. Cl 221 7- 221 /21- 221/150 B' Device automaticallySupplying dispensing 312/23i.235/92 drinks and food stuffs includes acabinet having a 51 Int. Cl G07f 11/00 Cooling Zone a Zone forcontaining drinks and food- 5 Fi of Search u 312/DIG 21 DICL 32 234stuffs, a zone for registering consumptions and a Z0116 3l2/35. 62/3.235/92 340/274 for generating cooling energy. The cabinet is conve-221/2 4 6 7 8 21 150 B R niently provided with a mechanical closure aswell as an electrical closure.

[56] References Cited 11 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures UNITED STATESPATENTS 1,152,638 9/1915 7 Hul'd 221/7 X 1,309,911 7/l9l9 P6356 312/35PATENTED mom 3; 884. 386

SHEET 1 OF 5 5 FIG-1 PATENTED HAY 2 0 I975 SHEET 2 BF 5 DEVICE FORAUTOMATICALLY SUPPLYING DRINKS AND FOODSTUFF BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention refers to units designed for supplying drinks andfoodstuffs, to the consumer with out the need for money pieces, coins orother elements.

Devices for supplying drinks, others for foodstuffs and some for both,presently exist an the market. Generally speaking, these devices can bedivided into two large groups: Supplying devices which require theinsertion of money pieces or coins, broadly speaking, for itsfunctioning, and others which do not require introduction of moneypieces or coins.

The first mentioned devices do not constitute a part of this invention.With regards the second mentioned devices, the end purpose of which issimilar to that of the present invention, known devices are in almostall cases combined electrical and mechanical operable devices. Suchdevices have certain drawbacks, of which the most important are: Sinethey are mechanical, they should have metallic elements which, due tothe fact that they are situated in a highly humid atmosphere, eitherbecome oxidized or must be adequately protected, thus making the productmore expensive. Since the extraction of each bottle requires .amechanical action, the devices have a construction which is highlycomplex and, therefore, not economical. When the devices are used forsupplying cold drinks, consequently operating at low temperatures, iceis formed in the joints due to the combination of cold and moisture,thus making extraction of the bottles very difficult and forcing theuser to apply great force, which could give rise to breakage of themechanical device when the resistance of the ice suddenly yields. Thebottles or foodstuffs are not visible to the client which, at certaintimes, can give rise to the extraction if an empty tray. Allcoldproducing devices use conventional compressing or absorptionprocesses and/or are noisy or they have a very low yield. In general allknown such devices are very bulky.

All these drawbacks together with others of minor importance make theirexistence in the market scarce, wherein their novelty, likewise, plays apart.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The device of the present invention overcomesall the drawbacks of the previously existing unitsnThe end purpose ofthe device of the present invention is essentially the same, but itsconception and realization are radically different in all its parts withthe exception of the cold-producing unit which in two of the threeembodiments to be discussed below, is similar to that of theconventional devices.

The unit in question is destined to supply chilled drinks, non-chilleddrinks, chilled foodstuffs and nonchilled foodstuffs. A single devicecan be contemplated for dispensing all four products, for only some ofthem, or only one of them.

Due to the way in which it is conceived, thedevice of the invention isdestined to be positioned in places to which access is restricted to asingle person or to a group. For example, it can be placed in a hotelroom which can simultaneously be occupied by a single or various personsknown to each other who will jointly or individually be responsible forthe affected consumptions. In the aforementioned example, while thecited LII person or persons occupy the room, only they will have accessto the interior of the unit. However, when they leave the room they willno longer have access thereto and if another of other persons occupy thesame room, they will have access to the unit.

The device of the inventor may be used in hotel, inn, hostel rooms andsimilar centers. This enables hotel managers to offer to their clients,at any hour of the day and night, drinks and foodstuffs, or either ofthe two, as they wish. If the device were unable to register the amountof consumptions, the same would become less interesting, since visualchecks on consumption would have to be made, which would give rise toarguments between the hotel manager and the client. Therefore, necessaryelements are incorporated in the units to permit the consumptions madeby the clients to be controlled and registered.

The most important advantages of the device of the present inventionare:

For the client:

He has at his disposal, at any time of the day or night, and in his roomwithout delays or disturbances, foodstuffs and drinks.

He does not need'to use money pieces but a simple key which he receivestogether with that of the room.

His privacy is not disturbed. by strange persons coming into his room.

For the hotel manager:

The device reduces the cost of room service.

The number of sales increases due to the fact that the client has freeaccess to the drinks.

It gives a better service which allows him to be ahead of competition.

Accounting is made with less expense and without error.

There are other less important advantages for both parties which havebeen omitted for the description so as not to make the same tedious.

As previously mentioned the device is destined to be placed in hotels,hostels and other centers.

In the interior of such device there are drinks which could be chilledor not and even some which could be chilled while others are not.

In anyone of its variants the unit will be able to produce ice cubesbesides chilling the bottles of drinks.

The bottles will be placed in the interior of the bar in such a way thatthe client can have easy access thereto. The following variants arepossible:

A. There is no obstacle whatsoever between the bottle and the user withthe exception of the door of the bar.

B. There is, besides the door of the bar, a small obstacle between thebottle and the user which permits visibility of the bottle and accessthereto. In order to extract the bottle, the obstacle can be withdrawnand the bottle can thereafter be extracted, or the bottle can merely beextracted whereby the obstacle is withdrawn by the bottle itself.

C. There is an obstacle between the bottle and the user which impedesaccess to the bottle and requires previous withdrawal of the obstacle inorder to extract the bottle.

D. In cases (B) and (C) the unit can be made in such a way that theclient should select, with the help of a switch, a keyboard or apush-button, the row or column from which the user desires to extract abottle and thereafter effect the contemplated actions.

In all cases the bottles will be separated from each other anddistributed at random.

Each bottle will have a value which could be varied at will by the ownerof the bar. When the client extracts any bottle, its value will beaccounted for in units which could be multiples or fractions of themonetary unit of the country in which the device is installed. The finalresult of accounting, for a bar and a client, will be the sum of theprices of all the bottles extracted by the client.

Registration or accounting can be made in the bar itself or in acentralized site, or in both places simultaneously.

In any one of the variants, the proposed system will register,furthermore, each drink consumed. In this case and in the centralregistering point, there is a registering element for each type andbrand of drinks. This registering element will receive information forall and each one of the Automatic Bars, in the following way: when aclient takes a bottle, signals will be produced which will be deliveredby the unit to the registering element which records the consumptions ofthe client. A signal indicating that a certain bottle has been consumed,will simultaneously be produced. This signal will be delivered by theunit to a registering element which will record the number of bottles ofeach type consumed.

In units incorporating this system, there is a centralized registerwherein consumption of each type of drink will be registered in all barsassociated with this register.

This, in short, is a control of stock. As will be seen hereinafter, thebottles are arranged in an assembly of ordinate receptacles, each bottlein a receptacle. The assembly of receptacles will be situated in acabinet provided with a mechanical and electrical double lock. Thecabinet will be placed in the corresponding room.

A client of the hotel simultaneously receives the key of the room andthat of the bar. The receptionist or the person in charge will have acontrol which will permit him to release at will, or not, opening of thebar by acting upon the electric lock.

If the electric lock of the bar is freed, the client will be able toopen the door of the bar and have access to same by making use of hiskey.

As previously mentioned, in the interior of the bar there is a series ofconveniently ordinated bottles, visible to the user, as well as agraphic indicator which will point out the type, brand and price of thebottles. When i we speak of bottles we do so in order to simplifymatters as the bar could be also include foodstuffs, besides bottles. Inorder to take a bottle the client will dispose of a switch having asmany positions as rows. This switch must be placed in the positioncorresponding to the row in which the selected bottle is found, wherebysuch row will be unblocked.

Once this operation is effected a slide or guide will be moved so as torelease the receptacle corresponding precisely to thechosen bottle,whereby it will only be necessary to extract the bottle.

On effecting extraction, an extraction detector will be activated andthe consumption made by the client will be detected. Each one of thedetectors will activate an electronic device wherein a computer, whichwill permit choosing the price corresponding to each drink and varyingit at the descretion of the proprietor of the Automatic Bar, isincorporated.

After extraction, the electronic unit will emit an electric signalproportional to the price of the withdrawn bottle. This signal willbeapplied to a registering device which could be centralized with thosecorresponding to the remaining rooms or in the Automatic Bar itself, orin both places simultaneously.

The electronic device, which will have been previously programmed by theproprietor, will emit asignal which will be proportional to the price ofthe bottle withdrawn, differentiating the bottles and registering aprice, and only one price for each bottle which can even bedifferent-from the price of all the remaining bottles.

If the user extracts bottles, the electronic unit supplies electronicsignals proportional to the values of the extracted bottles, adding theprices of the successive consumptions made to the registering system.While the client has access to the room and has a key to the bar, allannotations affected in the registering system will be charged to him.The hotel manager will bill the difference between the annotations ofthe registering element when the client checked in and when he leavesthe hotel.

If, for any reason, electric power fails, the Automatic Bar will beblocked, the door will therefore not open, and extraction of a bottlewill also be impossible even if the door were open during power failure.

The cooling unit will function automatically and will automaticallyregulate the temperature of the cooling area by means of a thermostat.

Once the assembly of the invention has fully been understood, otherdetails and characteristics thereof will become evident in the course ofthe description which will subsequently be made, wherein the specialfeatures of the invention as well as those of the means used for itsexecution, will be explained. These features are given by way of examplemaking reference to two preferred embodiments. However, the invention isnot entirely limited to the details herein outlined, this descriptionshould, therefore, be considered as illustrative and without limitationswhatsoever.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following description gives abetter idea of the invention. Such description refers to the drawingsattached hereto wherein the preferred details of the invention areschematically and exclusively represented by way of example.

In such drawings like references are used to indicate elements,assemblies or parts which are similar to those represented in thevarious views. Such elements, details and arrangement are specificallydefined in the present specification.

A In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention,divided into determined areas which manifest the interior arragement ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device which illustrates in detailthe arrangement of an upper free zone and that of the zone destined tocontain the foodstuffs, together with its extraction and detectiondevices.

FIG. 3 isa perspective view of the area of the receptacles which containthe chilled products and, besides its general arrangement, it alsoillustrates a feed network detector which blocks the receptacles whenthe electric energy supply fails.

FIGS. la-4g illustrate the elements of the assembly described in FIG. 3.

FIGS. Sa-Se illustrate a modified embodiment of a device having a singlerow of small receptacles.

FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of the control assembly of theinvention.

FIG. 7 represents five possible distributions of the automatic rectifierof the cooler or chiller for use in the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to these drawings,the area of FIG. 1 destined to contain the ice cubes and theircorresponding container, i.e., the interchanger of the cooling system,has been denominated as 1. This area will, in its major part, be freeand will permit placing of glasses and various objects therein.

Zone 2 isdestined to contain the bottles and the extraction anddetection devices. Zone 2 can, in turn, be divided into two subzones,one of which will contain the cooled elements and the other will containthe noncooled elements. Three variants are possible: (a) that all theelements are cooled; (b) that none of the elements are cooled; and (c)that some are cooled and others not. In this latter case, the zone 2will be divided into two sub-zones having a thermal insulated separationtherebetween.

Provided that there are cooling elements, zones 1 and 2 will beseparated from the remainder of the system by means of thermal insulatedwalls, barely communicating with zone 3 for connecting the cold systemof the interchanger. The term interchanger is employed since, accordingto the present invention, three modes of producing cold have beencontemplated: i.e., by compres sion, by absorption and by the Peltiereffect.

Zone 4 will contain the electronic device itself which will be referredto as Processing device.

Zone 5 has been designed in such a way that the power generating elementfor producing cold is arranged therein. In view of the productionsystem, the zone will be completely or partially occupied and if thereis no refrigeration, then it will be empty.

Zone 3 has been designed in such a way that the radiator, whichevacuates the heat energy withdrawn is arranged therein. In the case ofproducing cold by the Peltier effect it will really be a radiator. Zone3 will generally be open at the portion corresponding to the bottom ofthe cabinet.

Zone I is empty, and both zones 1 and 2 are enclosed by a thermalinsulating panel 6.

An additional thermal insulating panel may be provided to separate zone2 into two sub-zones. The lower sub-zone will contain the non-cooleddrinks and the upper sub-zone will contain the cooled drinks.

FIG. 2 illustrates a device having receptacles for 24 chilled drinksreferenced with the letters a to x, and receptacles for 12 non-chilleddrinks referenced with Roman numerals l to 12. The number of drinks, orin general, foodstuffs, may be randomly varied as desired for a givenmodel.

Panel 8 closes a cavity wherein electromagnets which provide blockagefor withdrawal are arranged. These electromagnets will subsequently bedescribed.

Plastic blocking members 9 are mounted to slide horizontally. If one ofthese members 9 is arranged on any LII receptacle, the bottle thereofcannot be withdrawn. It is necessary, in order to withdraw bottle, thatthe respective member 9 be displaced. According to FIG. 2, the bottlessituated in receptacles c, j and q can be withdrawn. In order towithdraw any other bottle it is necessary to move the member 9horizontally in the respective rows so that the corresponding cavity canbe free.

Panels 8 secure blockage, independently of the position of member 9. Itwill be impossible to extract a bottle in the absence of operation ofthe electromagnets in panel 8, since the electromagnets will block thesystem in the manner subsequently described.

Panel 8 includes a switch having four positions. The switch is optionaland can be included in certain models. The function of this switch, whenit is included, will be the following:

At position 11, it will permit extraction of any bottle from the firstrow, no bottles can be withdrawn from the other rows even though theposition of members 9 permits such removal. The same will occur withregards the remaining positions. The number of positions of switch It)will be equal to that of the rows in which the bottles are arranged.

In units incorporating switch 10, and supposing that the door of thecabinet is open, it will be necessary in order to extract a bottle, forthe following conditions to exist simultaneously:

a. Network voltage should exist. Otherwise, the electromagnets willblock all the rows.

b. Switch 10 should be in the position corresponding to the row in whichthe bottle to be withdrawn is placed. The electromagnets correspondingto the other rows will be blocked in the same way as if network voltagedoes not exist.

(2. Sliding members 9 should be situated so that the receptaclecorresponding to the chosen bottle is free.

In the case shown in FIG. 2, and supposing that the network voltageexists, only the bottle situated in receptacle (f) can be withdrawn.Supposing that a user wishes to extract a bottle situated in receptacle(f) and starting from the position represented in FIG. 2, he should:

a. Situate switch 10 in position ill.

b. Move members 9 of the first row towards the left,

starting from that situated on receptacle (f), leaving receptacle (j)free.

0. Withdraw the chosen bottle.

A similar operation should be effected for any bottle.

On withdrawing the bottle a tilting element 13 is activated. Thedetection systems and the function of element 13 will subsequently bediscussed.

The receptacles are made by means of the assembly of elements 14, 15,and 16 which constitute the body, and in which other elements of theassembly are inserted. v

The adequate assembly of all these elements forms the receptacle itself.With regards the way in which such assembly is effected, it is believedthat the figures are sufficiently descriptive.

Element 17 has a length corresponding to the width of each row. Thiselement is mounted for an ascending descending movement for which it isactivated by means of electromagnets placed at its ends. When electricenergy exists, element 117 will be at the upper position of itsmovement, and if no electric energy exists, element 117 will be at itslower position. In units having the mentioned switch 10, element 17 willbe exclusively at the upper position, in the row corresponding to theposition of switch 10. The elements 17 corresponding to the other rows,will be at their lower position. The role played by these elements is toblock and to impede removal of the bottles, hampering the movement ortilting of element 13 which is the device which ultimately permits orimpedes extraction of the bottle.

Even though the figure exclusively illustrates one of the elements 17,the fact that there is one for each row should beemphasized.

Elements 18 are electromagnets exclusively destined to activate elements17. Their role is to raise or lower the same. There is a pair ofelectromagnets 18 for each row, one each arranged at each side of thereceptacle assembly. If the unit is provided with a switch for the rows,the pair of electromagnets, corresponding to the chosen row togetherwith the switch, will maintain their respective elements 17 in a raisedposition while the remaining pairs will maintain element 17 in a loweredposition. If no switch exists all elements 17 will be maintained in theupper position.

Irrespective of the reasons and when the electric energy which feeds thedistributor machine fails, all the electromagnets 18 will automaticallyact, thus lowering elements 17 and blocking the system. i

The detailed form of element 13 is shown in FIG. 4f. However, referringto FIG. 3, a part of element 13 occuping a part of the receptaclecorresponding to each bottle, is shown. Besides the visible part,element 13 has a hidden part which is covered by element in FIG. 3. Inorder to extract a bottle element 13 should tilt, thus leaving theentrance of the receptacle free. The hidden part of element 13 is suchthat when element 9 is situated on the receptacle, element 13 cannottilt due to the fact that its hidden part will abut against element 9,for which reason tilting cannot take place. Tilting of element 13 canonly take place when element 17 is in a raised position, since when thesame is in a lowered position the hidden part of element 13 will abuttherewith and will, therefore, not tilt. Whether element 9 impedestilting or whether element 17 impedes the same, movement of element 13will be produced, but in no case sufficient to permit extraction of thecorresponding bottle.

On studying the various detection systems, the use of which has beencontemplated, element 13 will again be discussed since in some of thesesystems element 13 has the double role of detection and blockage.

Member 9 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 4g. It is a member whichslides between elements 15 and 14. Each row has the same amount ofmembers 9 as receptacles, less one, in such a way that there is alwaysone receptacle which is not blocked by means of a member 9. The visiblepart of member 9 facilitates its pulling by the client and furthermorefacilitates pointing out, due to absence, the available receptacle. Thehidden part 18, in the form of an L, is inserted in the second channel19 of element 15, thus obstructing the path of the hidden part ofelement 13 and impeding its tilting. It should be noted that in FIG. 3,and for the sake of clarity, most of members 9 have not been shown andonly a few of them have been illustrated. It should be clarified thatall the rows will have as many members 9 as receptacles, less one.

FIG. 5 represents small sized receptacles. A superficial review of thisfigure points out that the same is similar to that representing largesized receptacles. The drawing was effected for a single row of smallreceptacles, and it is obvious that the arrangement of two or more rowsdoes not substantially modify the system.

Element 20 is similar to that referenced 17 represented in the priordrawings. What has been stated with regards element 17 is applicable toelement 20.

Element 21 is identical to element 15 already described in previousdrawings, with the only difference being that some of its dimensionsvary.

The side wall 22 of the receptacles has a single row. If the same wereprovided with various rows, its shape would correspond to 16 in theprevious figures with slight modifications with regards dimensions.Sliding member 23 is identical to member 9 described in previous figureswith modifications concerning certain dimensions. What has been said upto the present moment and what will be said subsequently with regardsmember 9, applies to member 23.

The blocking tilting element 24 is identical to that referenced 13, withthe exception of certain modifications with regards dimensions. What hasbeen said up to the present moment as well as what will be saidsubsequently with regards element 13, is applicable to element 24.

FIG. 6 represents a blocking diagram of the assembly of the device forautomatically supplying drinks and foodstuffs which has been repeatedlyreferred to as an automatic bar.

The two parallel lines of the upper part of the figure represent thenetwork which will supply energy to the various parts of the system.Intakes for the different parts of the system are represented. With theexception of the energy supply, all the electric connections arerepresented single wired.

Zone 25' embraces all that contained in the dotted lines. In reality,the cabinet comprises all the component elements of the automatic bar.Everything with regards its shape, dimension and distribution waspreviously stated. Therefore, further comments with regards to the samewill not be made, and further discussion will now exclusively deal withcertain features not yet mentioned:

a. Lock or closure Irrespective of the distribution of the shape,dimensions and even irrespective of the elements arranged in itsinterior and whether it cools or not, closure of the cabinet will beeffected hermetically by means of joining.

b. Insulation In the same conditions previously stated the walls of thecabinet will be heat insulated.

c. Locks In all cases the cabinet will have two types of locks.

Mechanical lock with a key of any of the types presently on the market.electric safety lock. It will be an electromagnet activated by means ofthe very network which feeds the unit. When there is no network voltage,the door will be blocked and cannot be opened even though the mechanicaldevice is unlocked. The owner of the bar can, at will, activate thesafety electric closure or lock from a control panel, in such a way thateven when electric energy exists, the safety electric closure isactivated and the door is blocked. For such purpose the mentionedgeneral control panel will be provided with a switch for each automaticbar which will permit activation of the given unit from a distance,thereby impeding access to the bar even though the user is in possessionof a key.

The zone 26 represents the cooling group and its corresponding elements.In the case in which the auto matic bar is not destined to containchilled elements, such zone will naturally not be incorporated.

In view of the cooling system employed, four types of automatic bars canexist:

Type a. Without cooling. This model does not include a cooler of anykind whatsoever.

Type b. Cooling by means of a compressor. The

cold producing group will be absolutely conventional and can be any oneof those manufactured by any of the many firms dedicated to theproduction of such elements. Due to the fact that the same are verywidely known, there will not herein be provided a detailed descriptionof such elements. However, it should be emphasized that the temperaturewill be regulated by means of a thermometer which will be connected toand disconnected from the compressor in an automatic fashion.

Type c. Cooling by absorption. Since this system is so widely known, itwill not herein be described. The unit incorporated in such system canbe any one of these existing on the market.

Type d. In the automatic bar corresponding to the illustrated model,cooling is achieved by applying the Peltier effect for this purpose.

The cold producing group comprises:

A Peltier effect semiconducting element, whose number of semiconductors,connection between the same and characteristics thereof will depend uponthe cooling energy needs which, in turn, will dependupon the number ofelements to be cooled. Due to the fact that this number can be varied asdesired by the client, the energy needs can also be varied, for whichreason the cooling capacity of the illustrated system will not bespecifically limited.

- An aluminium radiator mechanically and thermally connected to the hotsurface of the Peltier effect semiconductor. The dimensions of thisradiator will be determined by the thermal energy to be dissipated,which will depend upon the cooling energy. Due to the fact that this isvariable, the former will likewise be variable. Therefore, the radiatoris only defined in the sense that it will have the necessary thermalresistance and dimensions in order to dissipate the correspondingthermal energy.

A transformer to convert the feed voltage into another having anadequate value for feeding the rectifier.

The primary of the transformer will be connected to the general feednetwork of the unit. The secondary will be connected to the automaticrectifier hereinafter described. The primary has four intakes, thefirst, which is common, will be connected to one of the ca bles of thefeed network; the second intake will be connected to the second cable ifthe voltage is of 1 10, thus being disconnected in all other cases, thethird intake will be connected to the second cable if the voltage is of220 and will be disconnected in the remaining cases, the fourth intakewill be connected to the second cable if the voltage is of 380 and willbe disconnected in the remaining cases.

- Automatic rectifier. This will be a combined thyristor and dioderectifier having its corresponding regulation and control circuits. Thefollowing are the electric arrangements which such rectifying circuitcan have:

a. Monophasic bridge having two thyristors in two of 5 the branches andtwo rectifying diodes in the other two.

b. Monophasic bridge having four diodes in the four branches and athyristor in series with the charge.

c. Half wave rectifier, a single thyristor in series with the charge.

d. A rectifying bridge exclusively formed by diodes and a triad in theprimary of the rectifier.

e. A double wave rectifier having two thyristors and an intake in thesecondary'of the transformer.

FIGS. 7a-7e illustrate the above five possible distributions. Technicaland economic conditions will determine which one of the possibledistributions should be adopted.

Temperature detector. This will be arranged in the interior of thecooled zone. The electrical features of this device will vary accordingto the temperature in the interior of the cabinet. This sensing devicewill indicate the thermal state to the automatic rectifier which willdeliver a voltage proportional to the derivations with regards thetemperature desired to the charge.

A temperature selection control which permits choosing a temperaturevalue between the possible minimum and maximum values.

The functioning of this assembly is as follows:

By means of the temperature selection control the desired temperaturevalue can be chosen. The transformer will feed the rectifying group witha alternate, constant or variable voltage, depending upon the network.In view of the chosen temperature and of the information coming from thedetector, the rectifying group will deliver to the Peltier effectsemiconductor a continuous voltage having a variable average value andin such a way that the temperature in the cooled zone remains constant.The Peltier effect semiconductor will produce, when fed by thepreviously mentioned continuous voltage, a cooling capability which willdepend upon, even though not exclusively, the voltage applied thereto.The calories corresponding to the cooling produced, plus those due toelectric conduction, will be stored on the hot surface of the Peltiereffect semiconductor which, by means of conduction, will be delivered tothe radiator and the same, by means of radiation, to the atmosphere.

The Peltier effect semiconductor, therefore, has one hot and one coldsurface which conditions its physical arrangement in the element to becooled.

In the case under discussion the Peltier effect semiconductor isarranged in the intermediate wall between zones 1 and 2 of FIG. 1, insuch a way that the cold surface is situated in the interior of zone 1and the warm surface, as well as the radiator, are situated in theinterior of zone 2.

Also situated in zone 1 and placed on the Peltier effect semiconductor,there is :a small receptacle similar to the commercial cooler, in whichthe containers for the formation and storage of ice cubes are arranged.

The processing device 27 is the heart of the system.

65 FIG. 6 also represents a block diagram corresponding to theprocessing device 27 which comprises various blocks. The description andfunctioning of the processing device 27 will be studied when analyzingeach one of the parts constituting same, even though the processingdevice can be defined as an assembly of elements which, starting fromthe signal originated by the detectors 28, conventionally handles thesameand delivers a signal to the registering elements in the form ofsignals which can be assimilated by the same and considered in view ofthe energized detector 28.

Processing device 27 will be analyzed in view of its elements.

The pickup device 29 directly receives signals coming from detectors 28.

It conforms same so as to permit its subsequent handling. The variousdetectors 28, which can be used, determine the characteristics andconstitution of the pickup device 29.

These pickup devices 29, in view of their corresponding detector 28 canbe:

a. Pickup device for photoelectric detecting.

It comprises: a photoemitting feed rectifier, an amplifier-squarer fordetecting the change in state of the photoreceptor and an impulseshaper.

b. Pickup device for capacitive detecting.

It comprises: a condensor feed circuit, an impedance bridge, one branchof which is the condensor, an amplifier of the unbalanced current of thebridge when an unbalance is produced due to dielectric variation as aresult of the withdrawal of a bottle, and an impulse shaper.

0. Pickup device for inductive-detecting.

It comprises: a coil feed circuit; an amplifier for varying theinduction produced by the extraction of the bottle, and an impulseshaper.

d. Pickup device for switch or microswitch detecting.

It comprises: a feed circuit, common to all detectors of the same typeand of the same unit, an amplifier shaper circuit which, on varying thestate of the contact from that which is sent, generates an electricimpulse.

e. Pickup device for reed-switch and magnetic detecting.

It is identical to the former since the detector acts in the same way inboth cases, changing the state of a contact.

f. Pickup device for contact detecting.

It is identical to the two previously mentioned devices, since thedetector acts in the same way in all cases, changing the state of acontact.

There will be as many pickup devices as detectors in the unit and theassembly of all of them constitutes a pickup device. Naturally, therewill only be one feed circuit which is common to all the pickup devices.The most commonly used pickup devices will be those mentioned in (e) and(f) above, since the others will only be used in special cases.

In any of the cases, the impulse conveniently shaped will be deliveredto the programming device 30.

Each detector 28 forming part of the bar should be activated whenwithdrawing the element corresponding to its receptacle. Any elementshould be able to be introduced in each receptacle. Such elementintroduced in a given receptacle should be variable at will. The priceof the element corresponding to a receptacle should also be variable atwill. If these are analizysed with regards drinks, it will be possibleto introduce in a given receptacle a refreshment or a bottle of liquor,the prices of which may vary, and it will be possible to stipulate anyprice.

In other words, the owner of the bar should be able to give a value tothe element offered in a given receptacle and should, furthermore, beable to vary such value at will. And this should apply to all thereceptacles irrespective of their number. The value given to the elementdeposited in each receptacle and, therefore, to that corresponding toeach detector, will be referred to as specific weight.

Thus, some detectors will have a specific weight 1, others, 2, others 3,and so on successively.

For example, if the specific weight is 1, it will mean that if thecorresponding detector 28 is activated, the processing device 27 willdeliver the electric signal corresponding to l to the registeringelement 33. This number can represent the monetary unit of the countryin which the device is installed, a multiple or a submultiple. Thus, forexample, 1 can mean l French franc or 10 pesetas or even half a dollar,etc. Naturally, 2 will mean the double, 3 the triple, etc.

In all cases the pickup devices 29 will send one electric impulse andonly one for any detector 28.

The computor 30 is the device which receives the impulse from the pickupdevice 29 and allots thereto the specific weight. It has four functions:

lt receives impulses from the pickup device 29 wherefore it should haveas many inlets as pickup devices in a given bar.

It will select the specific weight of each detector 28.

It will allot thereto the selected specific weight.

It will direct the impulses charged with their specific weight to thememory system corresponding to each weight.

Assume that a computor 30, associated with 36 pickup devices, will have36 inlets. The impulse coming from any of the 36 inlets will correspondto the specific weight which can be varied at will by means of any oneof the following systems:

By means of a perforated card and reading of the same irrespective ofthe type of reading used. I

By means of a perforated tape and reading of the same irrespective ofthe type of reading used.

By means of a magnetic tape and reading of the same irrespective of thetype of reading used.

By means of a disc and reading of the same irrespective of the type ofreading used.

All these aforementioned systems of programming of the specific weightof each pickup device 29 will make sense when the registering elementemployed is an ordinator or computer.

By means of a programming matrix which is sufficiently well known andis, therefore, not described.

By means of a switch or switches.

By means of electric conductors attached to each other, either manuallyor by welding, or by strips or connectors,'the possibility of usingconductors or rigid or flexible printed circuits also being included.

By means of electronic switching circuits. Supposing that one wishes tochange the specific weight of one or all of the pickup devices 29, itwill be sufficient to effect the corresponding manipulations, forexample, to change the position of the plugs in the programming matrix.

Once a specific weight of each pickup device 29 is chosen, after animpulse is produced, the computer 30 will direct it to the correspondingmemory device 31.

automatic bar, and each memory management or individual memory will, inturn, have as many submemories or memory sub-managements as pickupdevices 29 in the bar.

The functions of the memory are:

to receive the impulse coming from each pickup device 29 charged withits specific weight, through the computer 30. The computer 30 directsthe correspond ing impulse to the adequate memory position or to theindividual memory.

to transmit to the generator 32 instructions concerning the impulsesreceived so that same transmits it to the registering device 33.

to store the information and to maintain the order in the generator 32until the same has transmitted such information to the registeringelement 33.

to memorize the energizing of a given pickup device 29. Even though thispickup device is once again energized, the memory device will not orderthe generator 32 to transmit the same to the registering element 33.

That is, the memory, assuch, can be:

previously That is to say, it retains the information until theregistering system can admit the same, and the storage time will bevariable depending upon the circumstances.

Subsequently That is to say, it memorizes that the information comingfrom a specific detector 28 has already been processed and will notprocess the same again, even though the same pickup device 29 sends newinformation, storage time is intrinsically variable since such time willrefer to the period in which a detector 28 has been activated and thememory has manually been erased, which would occur when the withdrawnelement is replaced in the corresponding receptacle and the erasingcontrol is activated (blanking).

The memory carries out the various functions by means of the followingelements:

Receiver This is merely an electronic circuit through which signals,coming from the pickup devices through the computer, reach the memoryitself.

Memory This is the memory itself. The memory systems which can be usedin the different variants are:

a. Magnetic or ferrite memory, in the multiple variants known.

b. Semiconductive electronic memory, in any of its multiple variantsknown, such as tilting or flip-flop transistors, doors, unique ormultiple integrated circuits, photoelectric devices with static ordynamic recording or reading even that of laser.

c. Electric memories. By means of relays or contact units both withmechanical or electrical interlocking, irrespective of the type of relayor contact amongst these known.

d. Mechanical memories. Refer to those which keepthe detectors of thepassage of the bottle energized, irrespective of the detector used andof the system followed in order to keep it energized. Transmitter It isthe electronic circuit through which the information with regards achange in any of the memories and the order to transmit such informationto the registering element, reaches the generator. Generator 32 isdetermined by the registering system. If registration is effected bymeans of meters of any nature whatsoever, whether electric, electronicor electromagnetic, the generator 32 will exist. This is the devicewhich will now be studied. lf registration is effected by means of anordinator, the generator will not exist since the ordinator willdirectly explore the memories.

Generator 32 connected to a meter will definitely be an impulsegenerator.

Its functions are as follows:

to generate a number of impulses proportional to the specific weight ofthe energized pick-up device 29.

to transmit the signal, to the effect that the instruction has beenfulfilled, to memory 31, which will be effected by means of thetransmitter of the memory itself.

In order to effect these functions, the generator 32 comprises:

An impulse generator. This can be electric or electronic and of any oneof the well known types. The amplitude, duration and frequency of theimpulses have no limit and can be determined by the registering elementused.

A digital meter. It will be electronic and of any one of the well knowntypes. In any case it will be a predetermined meter.

The digital meter will receive notification of the fact that a detector28 has been activated by means of the already described chain. Thisnotification is double since it indicates that a detector has beenactivated and also specifies the detector in question.

The meter is instructed to generate n impulses. On receiving thisnotification it orders the generator 32 to operate and it counts theimpulses which the latter generates. When the predetermined digit :1 isreached it orders the generator 32 to stop and it automatically returnsto zero, thus transmitting the information that the order has beenobeyed, to the memory.

If the meter receives information that two different detectors 28 havebeen activated, in cases where this is possible, charged with specificweights n and 2n, for example, the order is interpreted in the sensethat 3n impulses should be counted and proceeds in the same way aspreviously stated ordering the generator to stop when the predeterminedfigure of 3n is reached.

n can naturally be a number between 1 and 99,999, even though in theusual models this number is limited to between 1 and 9.

Coder 34 is one of the variants of the unit and in reality is the meterdescribed as an integral part of generator 32. As previously mentionedthe unit presents the possibility of registering, besides theconsumptions effected by a given unit, the total consumption made in theunits installed in a single center, of each one of the drinks at thedisposal of the user of the units.

In this case, which will be separately studied, the coder selectivelyacts and directs information coming from the generator to theregistering elements 33 of the consumption made by each client or to theregistering elements of the consumption which a group of clients make ofa given drink.

Detectors 28 are designed to detect the withdrawal of elements containedin the receptacles by the client.

The foreseen processes for detection of bottles or foodstuffs are:

Photoelectric detector This will be comprised of a photo emitter and aphoto receiver. Both the photo emitter and photo receiver can be any oneof the usual type in the market not visible under light.

Capacitive detector Two of the opposite walls of each receptacle will bemetallic and will be under tension. The dielectric will be the air spacecontained be tween both. On inserting the bottle or the foodstuff intothe receptacle the nature of the dielectric will change. The condenserformed by the two plates and the dielectric will have a capacity whichwill depend, amongst other things, upon the dielectric. Therefore,on-varying the dielectric the capacity will vary and through thecorresponding pickup device detection of withdrawal will be made.

Inductive detector It is a coil which surrounds each one of thereceptacles and which is passed by a current. The free space in thereceptacle will sometimes act as an air gap. When the air gap varies,due to the presence or absence of the element to be consumed, the flowwill also vary. This variation in flow will be detected by means of asuitable pickup device.

Microswitch or switch detector This detector is a switch or microswitchof any of the usual types existing on the market. It will be arranged inthe interior of each of the receptacles in such a way that when tiltingoccurs, due to the extraction of a bottle, the tilting piece 13 of FIG.2 activates the same, giving the signal to the corresponding pickupdevice 29.

Reed-switch or magnet detector The two conductive metallic sheetsarranged in the interior of a glass tube in which the vacuum has beenmade, are called a reed-switch. One of the metallic sheets is fixedwhile the other is movable and is necessarily made of a magneticmaterial.

When the assembly is subjected to the action of a magnetic field, themovable piece is displaced and attracted by the same, opening thecontact, if both sheets were joined, or closing the same, if the sheetswere separated. Both sheets have an end to the exterior which can beused.

The reed-switch, in units having the same, is arranged on the tiltingelement 13 or 24.

When extracting a bottle and making element 13 or 14 tilt, the magnetwill approach the reed-switch, activating the same and giving thecorresponding signal to pickup device 29.

Contact detector In this case a conductor element is arranged on element14 of FIG. 3. Likewise, another conductor element is arranged on tiltingelement 13. On withdrawing the element contained in the receptacle,element 13 tilts whereby both conductors come into contact, giving thesignal to the corresponding pickup device 29 that the bottle has beenextracted.

Use of any one of the mentioned pickup devices 29 is possible. Selectionof one or another is determined by special considerations of each seriesof units. The

two preferably used will be the reed-switch and the contact.

The registering element 33 picks up and stores, in an accessible manner,the information coming from the processing device 27.

As previously mentioned two groups of registering systems are provided:

Registration by means of an ordinator The ordinator used can be any oneof the usual types on the market and its use is not confined toregistering information coming from the automatic bars.

When registration is effected with an ordinator, the

processing device 27 will not send impulses but will store theinformation of the consumptions made in its memory. The ordinator willsequentially explore each one of the bars subjected to its control,picking up information contained in the memories of the processingdevice 27.

Access to the information contained in the ordinator can be effected byany one of the normal known means.

Registration by means of meters When registration is effected by meansof meters, the processing device 27, as has already been seen, generatesa number of impulses which will depend upon the activated detector 28.This will take place each time a detector 28 is activated.

These impulses are applied to the meters which add up the successiveimpulses sent by the processing device 27 and which keep note of theresults of the addition, or total.

The following two basic types of meters can be used as registeringelements:

Electromagnetic meters: Those in which electric impulses activate anelectromagnet which moves a small and numbered toothed wheel. Theresultant number will depend upon the number of strokes of theelectromagnet and a stroke will correspond to each impulse. As a meterof this type, any one of those existing on the market or any oneexpressly made, can be used.

Electronic meters: Metering is effected by means of electronic meters ofany of the known types, and can be:

for functioning: ring, BCD, etc.

for its basic elements: thyristors, thyratrons, transistors, integratedcircuits, etc.',

for the indication system: Nixie type lamps, segment lamps, etc.

Irrespective of the registration system used, the following data can beregistered: the total consumption effected by a client. It will becontained in a registering element 36 corresponding to his room.

The registering element 36 will reflect, as a result, the algebraic sumof all the bottles withdrawn by the client charged with the weight ofeach of them.

Eventually, and in the cases where the same is used:

Total consumption made by all the clients of each of the brands or typesof available drinks. To each drink a meter or a management of theordinator wherein the total consumption is' reflected, will correspond,irrespective of the room wherein the same is effected and of the brandor type of drink consumed by the client.

If registration is effected by means of a meter there I will be threevariants in the unit:

The meter is arranged only in the automatic bar.

Two meters are provided, one in the automatic bar and the other, foreach bar, in a centralized panel.

A meter for each bar is provided in a centralized panel.

The network failure detector 35 This is destined to impede extraction ofbottles or foodstuffs when there is no electric energy and, therefore,such extraction cannot be registered.

The contemplated protection against network failure is double:

The door and the receptacles will become blocked.

When the network failure occurs, the door may be open and, therefore,blockage thereof will be inefficient. However, blockage of thereceptacles will be efficient since, even though at the time of failureone of them is half open, two things may occur: that the device forblocking impedes its opening or that it is completely opened and keptthat way, whereby when electrical en ergy is restored it will beregistered.

The elements constituting the network failure detector are:

An electromagnet situated in the cabinet in front of a slot in the door.If the electromagnet has tension between its ends, it will be activatedand it will not enter the slot, thus impeding opening of the door.

Blockage of the receptacles will be effected by elements 18 of FIGS. 3and 4 which are electromagnets and element 17 of the same figures. Ifthe electromagnets have tension between their ends, element 17 will besituated in'its upper position, thus allowing the tilting of element 13.If the electromagnets are not under tension, element 17 will be situatedin its lower position, thus impeding tilting of element 13.

The present device has a switch, duly protected by lock or any othersuitable means, in its general detection circuit. Such switchdisconnects the detecting system, thus allowing replenishment of thedevice without the risk of erroneously sensitizing the memory of thedevice. Once the device has been replenished with all the appropriatecommunications, the switch is activated and is duly sensitized and readyfor adequate functioning.

After having reviewed the drawings and the preceding description, it caneasily be understood that the concept of the present invention providesa simple and effective construction which can easily be put intopractice, assuring a relatively inexpensive manufacture.

This economic detail is of great importance if one considers productionof a large scale, since it is evident that agiven client may install aconsiderable number of devices of the invention, and any small saving ina single unit achieved by the improvements of the invention will therebybe substantial.

I claim:

1. A device for storing and dispensing a plurality of differentfoodstuffs, such as bottled drinks and the like, said device comprising:

a cabinet;

said cabinet having therein a foodstuffs storage zone,

said foodstuffs storage zonebeing divided into a plurality of separatereceptacle means parallelly arranged in horizontal rows, each forstoring therein an individual foodstuffs unit;

said cabinet having therein an electric energy zone adapted to beconnected to a source of electric eny;

selectively operable and adjustable mechanical blocking means movablymounted at the front of each of said receptacle means for selectivelyblocking the removal from each of said receptacle means of thefoodstuffs unit stored therein, said mechanical blocking meanscomprising a plurality of members mounted to slide horizontally alongeach of said horizontal rows of receptacle means, the number of saidmembers in each of said rows being equal to the number of receptaclemeans in said each row, less one;

selectively controllable electric blocking means separate from saidmechanical blocking means and connected to said electric energy zone forselectively blocking the removal from any of said receptacle 6 detectionmeans associated with each of said receptacle means for detecting theremoval therefrom of the respective foodstuffs unit and generating asignal representative thereof; and

said cabinet having therein :a registering zone operatively connected tosaid electric energy zone and to said detection means for receivingtherefrom said signal representative of the removal of any of saidfoodstuffs units.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cabinet further hastherein a cooling zone, at least a portion of said receptacle means ofsaid foodstuffs storage zone being within said cooling zone; and acooling unit storage zone containing therein a Peltier effect coolermeans for cooling said cooling zone, said cooler means comprising atransformer having a primary and a secondary, a rectifier connected tosaid secondary, a temperature selector and detector connected to saidprimary, and a semiconductor element connected to said rectifier saidsaid temperature selector and detector.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one of saidhorizontal rows of receptacle means is positioned without said coolingzone.

4. A device for storing and dispensing a plurality or differentfoodstuffs, such as bottled drinks and the like, said device comprising:

a cabinet;

said cabinet having therein a foodstuffs storage zone,

said foodstuffs storage zone being divided into a plurality of separatereceptacle means parallelly arranged in horizontal rows, each forstoring therein an individual foodstuffs unit;

said cabinet having therein an electric energy zone adapted to beconnected to a source of electric energy;

selectively operable and adjustable mechanical blocking means movablymounted at the front of each of said receptacle means for selectivelyblocking the removal from each. of said receptacle means of thefoodstuffs unit stored therein;

selectively controllable electric blocking means separate from saidmechanical blocking means and connected to said electric energy zone forselectively blocking the removal from any of said receptacle means ofthe foodstuffs unit stored therein and for blocking such removal uponthe failure of said source of electric energy, said electric blockingmeans comprising a plurality of longitudinal strips, one each extendingwithin said cabinet parallel with one of said horizontal rows andpositioned within eachof the receptacle means thereof, and electromagnetmeans connected to said electric energy zone and to each of said stripsfor selectively moving each of said strips from a first raised openposition wherein removal of a foodstuffs unit from a receptacle means ofthe respective row is not blocked by the respective strip, to a secondlowered blocking position wherein removal of a foodstuffs unit from areceptacle means of the respective row is blocked by the respectivestrip; detection means associated with each of said receptacle means fordetecting the removal therefrom of the respective foodstuffs unit andgenerating a signal representative thereof; and said cabinet havingtherein a registering zone operatively connected to said electric energyzone and to said detection means for receiving therefrom said signalrepresentative of the removal of any of said foodstuffs units.

5. A device" as claimed in claim 4, wherein said cabinet further hastherein a cooling zone, at least a portion of said receptacle means ofsaid foodstuffs storage zone being within said cooling zone; and acooling unit storage zone containing therein a lPeltier effect coolermeans for cooling said cooling zone, said cooler means comprising atransformer having a primary and a secondary, a rectifier connected tosaid secondary, a temperature selector and detector connected to saidprimary, and a semiconductor element connected to said rectifier andsiad temperature selector and detector.

6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one of saidhorizontal rows of receptacle means is positioned without said coolingzone.

7. A device for storing and dispensing a plurality of differentfoodstuffs, such as bottled drinks and the like, said device comprising:

a cabinet;

said cabinet having therein a foodstuffs storage zone,

said foodstuffs storage zone being divided into a plurality of separatereceptacle means parallelly arranged in horizontal rows each for storingtherein an individual foodstuffs unit;

said cabinet having therein an electric energy zone adapted to beconnected to a source of electric eny;

selectively operable and adjustable mechanical blocking means movablymounted at the front of each of said receptacle means for selectivelyblocking the removal from each of said receptacle means of thefoodstuffs unit stored therein;

selectively controllable electric blocking means sepa rate from saidmechanical blocking means and connected to said electric energy zone forselectively blocking the removal from any of said receptacle means ofthe foodstuffs unit stored therein and for blocking such removal uponthe failure of said source of electric energy;

detection means associated with each of said receptacle means fordetecting the removal therefrom of the respective foodstuffs unit andgenerating a signal representative thereof, said detection meanscomprising a tiltable element positioned in each of said receptaclemeans, each of said tiltable elements being in contact with therespective foodstuffs unit to be tilted forward thereby upon the removalthereof, said each tiltable element being positioned, upon tilting, tocontact said mechanical and electric blocking means when said blockingmeans are arranged in blocking position; and signal generating meansoperable by said tiltable elements for generating said signalrepresentative of the removal of said foodstuffs unit; and said cabinethaving therein a registering zone operatively connected to said electricenergy zone and to said detection means for receiving therefrom saidsignal representative of the removal of any of said foodstuffs units.

8. A device as claimed in claim '7, wherein said cabinet further hastherein a cooling zone, at least a portion of said receptacle means ofsaid foodstuffs storage zone being within said cooling zone; and acooling unit storage zone containing therein a Peltier effect coolermeans for cooling said cooling zone, said cooler means comprising atransformer having a primary and a secondary, a rectifier connected tosaid secondary, a temperature selector and detector connected to saidprimary, and a semiconductor element connected to said rectifier andsaid temperature selector and detector.

9. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one of saidhorizontal rows of receptacle means is positioned without said coolingzone.

10. A device as claimed in claim '7, wherein said registering zonecomprises a plurality of pickup devices, equal in number to the numberof said signal generating means, for receiving said signals therefrom; acomputer means for receiving said signals through said pickup devices;said computer having therein selector means for determining, for eachsignal, a specific weight value representative of the price of therespective foodstuffs unit and for generating an impulse representativethereof; a memory means for receiving the impulses from said selectormeans of said computer and for storing said impulses for a selectedtime; and register means for selectively registering all stored impulsesfrom said memory means for a given device for a selected period of time.

11. A device as claimed in claim 10, wherein said selector means isadjustable regarding the specific weight allocated to each of thesignals received thereby.

l =l l=

1. A device for storing and dispensing a plurality of differentfoodstuffs, such as bottled drinks and the like, said device comprising:a cabinet; said cabinet having therein a foodstuffs storage zone, saidfoodstuffs storage zone being divided into a plurality of separatereceptacle means parallelly arranged in horizontal rows, each forstoring therein an individual foodstuffs unit; said cabinet havingtherein an electric energy zone adapted to be connected to a source ofelectric energy; selectively operable and adjustable mechanical blockingmeans movably mounted at the front of each of said receptacle means forselectively blocking the removal from each of said receptacle means ofthe foodstuffs unit stored therein, said mechanical blocking meanscomprising a plurality of members mounted to slide horizontally alongeach of said horizontal rows of receptacle means, the number of saidmembers in each of said rows being equal to the number of receptaclemeans in said each row, less one; selectively controllable electricblocking means separate from said mechanical blocking means andconnected to said electric energy zone for selectively blocking theremoval from any of said receptacle means of the foodstuffs unit storedtherein and for blocking such removal upon the failure of said source ofelectric energy; detection means associated with each of said receptaclemeans for detecting the removal therefrom of the respective foodstuffsunit and generating a signal representative thereof; and said cabinethaving therein a registering zone operatively connected to said electricenergy zone and to said detection means for receiving therefrom saidsignal representative of the removal of any of said foodstuffs units. 2.A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cabinet further has thereina cooling zone, at least a portion of said receptacle means of saidfoodstuffs storage zone being within said cooling zone; and a coolingunit storage zone containing therein a Peltier effect cooler means forcooling said cooling zone, said cooler means comprising a transformerhaving a primary and a secondary, a rectifier connected to saidsecondary, a temperature selector and detector connected to saidprimary, and a semiconductor element connected to said rectifier saidsaid temperature selector and detector.
 3. A device as claimed in claim2, wherein at least one of said horizontal rows of receptacle means ispositioned without said cooling zone.
 4. A device for storing anddispensing a plurality or different foodstuffs, such as bottled drinksand the like, said device comprising: a cabinet; said cabinet havingtherein a foodstuffs storage zone, said foodstuffs storage zone beingdivided into a plurality of separate receptacle means parallellyarranged in horizontal rows, each for storing therein an individualfoodstuffs unit; said cabinet having therein an electric energy zoneadapted to be connected to a source of electric energy; selectivelyoperable and adjustable mechanical blocking means movably mounted at thefront of each of said receptacle means for selectively blocking theremoval from each of said receptacle means of the foodstuffs unit storedtherein; selectively controllable electric blocking means separate fromsaid mechanical blocking means and connected to said electric energyzone for selectively blocking the removal from any of said receptaclemeans of the foodstuffs unit stored therein and for blocking suchremoval upon the failure of said source of electric energy, saidelectric blocking means comprising a pluraLity of longitudinal strips,one each extending within said cabinet parallel with one of saidhorizontal rows and positioned within each of the receptacle meansthereof, and electromagnet means connected to said electric energy zoneand to each of said strips for selectively moving each of said stripsfrom a first raised open position wherein removal of a foodstuffs unitfrom a receptacle means of the respective row is not blocked by therespective strip, to a second lowered blocking position wherein removalof a foodstuffs unit from a receptacle means of the respective row isblocked by the respective strip; detection means associated with each ofsaid receptacle means for detecting the removal therefrom of therespective foodstuffs unit and generating a signal representativethereof; and said cabinet having therein a registering zone operativelyconnected to said electric energy zone and to said detection means forreceiving therefrom said signal representative of the removal of any ofsaid foodstuffs units.
 5. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein saidcabinet further has therein a cooling zone, at least a portion of saidreceptacle means of said foodstuffs storage zone being within saidcooling zone; and a cooling unit storage zone containing therein aPeltier effect cooler means for cooling said cooling zone, said coolermeans comprising a transformer having a primary and a secondary, arectifier connected to said secondary, a temperature selector anddetector connected to said primary, and a semiconductor elementconnected to said rectifier and siad temperature selector and detector.6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one of saidhorizontal rows of receptacle means is positioned without said coolingzone.
 7. A device for storing and dispensing a plurality of differentfoodstuffs, such as bottled drinks and the like, said device comprising:a cabinet; said cabinet having therein a foodstuffs storage zone, saidfoodstuffs storage zone being divided into a plurality of separatereceptacle means parallelly arranged in horizontal rows each for storingtherein an individual foodstuffs unit; said cabinet having therein anelectric energy zone adapted to be connected to a source of electricenergy; selectively operable and adjustable mechanical blocking meansmovably mounted at the front of each of said receptacle means forselectively blocking the removal from each of said receptacle means ofthe foodstuffs unit stored therein; selectively controllable electricblocking means separate from said mechanical blocking means andconnected to said electric energy zone for selectively blocking theremoval from any of said receptacle means of the foodstuffs unit storedtherein and for blocking such removal upon the failure of said source ofelectric energy; detection means associated with each of said receptaclemeans for detecting the removal therefrom of the respective foodstuffsunit and generating a signal representative thereof, said detectionmeans comprising a tiltable element positioned in each of saidreceptacle means, each of said tiltable elements being in contact withthe respective foodstuffs unit to be tilted forward thereby upon theremoval thereof, said each tiltable element being positioned, upontilting, to contact said mechanical and electric blocking means whensaid blocking means are arranged in blocking position; and signalgenerating means operable by said tiltable elements for generating saidsignal representative of the removal of said foodstuffs unit; and saidcabinet having therein a registering zone operatively connected to saidelectric energy zone and to said detection means for receiving therefromsaid signal representative of the removal of any of said foodstuffsunits.
 8. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said cabinet furtherhas therein a cooling zone, at least a portion of said receptacle meansof said foodstuffs storage zone being within said cooling zone; and acooLing unit storage zone containing therein a Peltier effect coolermeans for cooling said cooling zone, said cooler means comprising atransformer having a primary and a secondary, a rectifier connected tosaid secondary, a temperature selector and detector connected to saidprimary, and a semiconductor element connected to said rectifier andsaid temperature selector and detector.
 9. A device as claimed in claim8, wherein at least one of said horizontal rows of receptacle means ispositioned without said cooling zone.
 10. A device as claimed in claim7, wherein said registering zone comprises a plurality of pickupdevices, equal in number to the number of said signal generating means,for receiving said signals therefrom; a computer means for receivingsaid signals through said pickup devices; said computer having thereinselector means for determining, for each signal, a specific weight valuerepresentative of the price of the respective foodstuffs unit and forgenerating an impulse representative thereof; a memory means forreceiving the impulses from said selector means of said computer and forstoring said impulses for a selected time; and register means forselectively registering all stored impulses from said memory means for agiven device for a selected period of time.
 11. A device as claimed inclaim 10, wherein said selector means is adjustable regarding thespecific weight allocated to each of the signals received thereby.